Display apparatus, display control method, and computer readable recording medium

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus including a display that displays messages includes a message retrieval unit that retrieves messages by accessing a message management server, a display method selection unit that selects a display method for the retrieved messages in response to a count of the retrieved messages, and a display controller that performs control to display on the display the messages retrieved from the message management server in the display method selected by the display method selection unit. The display method selection unit selects a first display method that displays the retrieved messages while scrolling the retrieved messages repeatedly if the count of the retrieved messages is equal to or below a display switching threshold value, and selects a second display method that displays the retrieved messages while scrolling the retrieved messages if the count of the retrieved messages is above the display switching threshold value.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus having a displaythat displays a message.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mechanisms (digital signage, for example) are widely used to spreadinformation, including advertisements, sales promotion and spaceperformance information, and/or a variety of guidance information, usingan electronic display apparatus in public venue, such as shop fronts,outdoor public space, shopping malls, event venues, amusementfacilities, and/or public institutions.

As an example of such a system, Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2008-233233 discloses an electronic public notice systemthat is to be viewed by an unspecified large number of users. Theelectronic public notice system includes a receiving unit that receivesa message related to an electronic public notice and transmitted from anunspecified large number of users, an identifying unit that receivesposition information of a user who has transmitted the message, andidentifies an electronic public notice that reflects the message, basedon the position information and distribution information of a specifiedtype of electronic notice, and a display controller that ensures amessage display region for the identified electronic notice and causesthe message to be displayed on the message display region.

The messages to be displayed include a message that is created usingsocial networking service (SNS), in addition to a message prepared inadvance. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2012-160111 discloses a message display system S. The message displaysystem S includes a message display apparatus A, and a twittermanagement server B. The twitter management server B stores messages.The message display apparatus A communicates with the twitter managementserver B, causes the twitter management server B to search for a messageaccording to a keyword, retrieves a hit message (a message hit in thesearching) from the twitter management server B, and displays the hitmessage with a pattern in a time-sequence fashion during a first periodof time.

It is contemplated that the message described with reference to JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-160111 is displayedin the electronic public notice system disclosed in Japanese UnexaminedPatent Application Publication No. 2008-233233. A message, such as onSNS, is typically displayed on a terminal apparatus that is operated bya user. If an older message is displayed, the user typically operatesthe terminal apparatus. In the case of a simple display apparatus, suchas digital signage, the user simply views the display apparatus, and isunable to operate it. A suitable message is not displayed.

A message transmission frequency through SNS is varied. If a message isdisplayed on digital signage of related art, appropriately displayingthe message is difficult. More specifically, with a lower displayingrate (the number of displays per unit time is smaller), the retrievedmessages are difficult to be displayed if the count of the messages istoo high. With a higher displaying rate (the number of displays per unittime is larger), a message display region has a pronounced empty areawhere no message is displayed if the count of the messages is too low.

A display that is used in digital signage which is not operated by auser as a viewer has difficulty in displaying a message appropriately.

SUMMARY

It is desirable to provide a display apparatus that displays to amessage to a user appropriately by switching a display method when themessage is displayed.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a displayapparatus including a display that displays messages. The displayapparatus includes a message retrieval unit that retrieves messages byaccessing a message management server, a display method selection unitthat selects a display method for the messages in response to a count ofthe retrieved messages, and a display controller that performs controlto display on the display the messages retrieved from the messagemanagement server in the display method selected by the display methodselection unit. The display method selection unit selects a firstdisplay method that displays the retrieved messages while scrolling theretrieved messages repeatedly if the count of the retrieved messages isequal to or below a display switching threshold value, and selects asecond display method that displays the retrieved messages whilescrolling the retrieved messages if the count of the retrieved messagesis above the display switching threshold value.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided adisplay control method. The display control method for a displayapparatus having a display that displays messages, includes retrievingmessages by accessing a message management server, selecting a displaymethod for the messages in response to a count of the retrievedmessages, and performing control to display on the display the messagesretrieved from the message management server in the selected displaymethod. The selecting includes selecting a first display method thatdisplays the retrieved messages while scrolling the retrieved messagesrepeatedly if the count of the retrieved messages is equal to or below adisplay switching threshold value, and selecting a second display methodthat displays the retrieved messages while scrolling the retrievedmessages if the count of the retrieved messages is above the displayswitching threshold value.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided acomputer readable recording medium causing a computer having a displaythat displays messages to perform a process of displaying messages. Theprocess includes retrieving messages by accessing a message managementserver, selecting a display method for the messages in response to acount of the retrieved messages, and performing control to display onthe display the messages retrieved from the message management server inthe selected display method. The selecting includes selecting a firstdisplay method that displays the retrieved messages while scrolling theretrieved messages repeatedly if the count of the retrieved messages isequal to or below a display switching threshold value, and selecting asecond display method that displays the retrieved messages by scrollingthe retrieved messages if the count of the retrieved messages is abovethe display switching threshold value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a whole system of a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a functional configuration of a display apparatus ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration example of a program data storageregion of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration example of a message retrieval dataof the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration example of a configuration table ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a functional configuration of a management apparatusof the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a functional configuration of a message managementserver of the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a functional configuration of a terminal apparatus ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a procedure (whole sequence) of the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a routine process of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a routine process (first pattern display process) ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a routine process (second pattern display process)of the first embodiment;

FIG. 13A through FIG. 13C illustrate operation examples of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 14A through FIG. 14C illustrate operation examples (first patterndisplay process) of the first embodiment;

FIG. 15A through FIG. 15C illustrates operation examples (first patterndisplay process) of the first embodiment;

FIG. 16A through FIG. 16C illustrate operation examples (second patterndisplay process) of the first embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a routine process of a second embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates a routine process of a third embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a routine process of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates an operation example of a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates an operation example of a seventh embodiment; and

FIG. 22 illustrates an operation example of an eighth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference tothe drawings. A display apparatus described in the embodiments is alarge-scale digital signage display apparatus that displays content.

1. First Embodiment

1.1 Entire Configuration

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a whole message display system 1.The message display system 1 includes one or more display apparatuses 10and a management apparatus 20 connected to the display apparatuses 10.Each of the display apparatuses 10 is connected to the managementapparatus 20 via an external network NW. The external network NW is theInternet, for example.

The display apparatus 10 is capable of displaying content contained in aprogram delivered from the management apparatus 20. The displayapparatus 10 may be a liquid-crystal display, an organicelectroluminescent (EL) display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display,or the like. The display apparatus 10 also displays a message receivedfrom a message management server 30.

The management apparatus 20 manages one or more display apparatuses 10.A content provider, an information provider, or an advertisementdistributor registers content (program) onto the management apparatus20. The registered program is delivered to each display apparatus 10 inaccordance with a schedule configured on the management apparatus 20.

The word content in the context of the embodiments refers to any of astill image, a video, an audio, and text. The content to be deliveredmay be content registered (stored) on the management apparatus 20 or maybe content stored on an external server.

The external network NW connects to the message management server 30that provides a message service. The message management server 30manages a message received from a terminal apparatus 40 via the externalnetwork NW.

Through the message service, users may share text and images. Forexample, if a user transmits a message from the terminal apparatus 40,the message management server 30 receives the message. The messagemanagement server 30 then displays the message on time line in themessage service. Another user may receive and display the message usingthe terminal apparatus 40, such as a portable information terminalapparatus (like a smart phone or a tablet). Examples of the messageservice include Twitter (registered trademark), Instagram (registeredtrademark), LINE (registered trademark), Facebook (registeredtrademark), Sina-Weibo (registered trademark), and Google+ (registeredtrademark).

By placing a specific character string in a message, only messageshaving the same character string may be displayed. For example, if acharacter string “# sp” is added to a message, another user may displayonly the messages containing the character string “# sp”. Such acharacter string is referred to as a “hash tag”.

1.2 Functional Configuration

1.2.1 Display Apparatus

A functional configuration of the display apparatus 10 of the firstembodiment is described with the drawings. As illustrated in FIG. 2, interms of the functional configuration, the display apparatus 10 includesa controller 100, a display 110, an image processor 120, a communicationunit 130, and a memory 140.

The controller 100 controls the entire display apparatus 10. Thecontroller 100 implements a variety of programs by reading and executinga variety of programs stored on the memory 140. The controller 100includes a central processing unit (CPU), for example.

The display 110 displays an image, and includes a liquid-crystal display(LCD) or the like. The display 110 displays delivered content and areceived message.

The image processor 120 processes an image to be displayed on thedisplay 110. For example, the image processor 120 performs control todisplay a message on content, or display a message while scrolling themessage.

The communication unit 130 is connected to a network. The communicationunit 130 may include an interface that is connected to a wiredlocal-area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, or a long term evolution (LTE)network. With the communication unit 130 connected to the network, thedisplay apparatus 10 is connected to the management apparatus 20 and theexternal network NW.

The memory 140 stores a variety of programs and data used for thedisplay apparatus 10 to operate. The memory 140 may include asemiconductor memory and a hard disk drive (HDD).

The memory 140 includes a message storage region 142, and a program datastorage region 144, and stores message retrieval data 146, and aconfiguration table 148.

The message storage region 142 stores messages received from the messagemanagement server 30. The messages stored on the message managementserver 30 may include all the messages received during a specific timeperiod or only a new message that has been just received.

The display apparatus 10 may receive all messages corresponding to alogin ID of the message service to be described below, and store thereceived messages on the memory 140. Alternatively, the displayapparatus 10 may search for only messages having the hash tag, and storethe hit messages on the memory 140.

The program data storage region 144 stores a program delivered from themanagement apparatus 20. A data structure of the program data storageregion 144 is described with reference to FIG. 3.

The program data storage region 144 stores a reproduction schedule ofthe program (Jan. 26, 2016, for example), a time table of thereproduction of the program listing a start time (8:00, for example) andan end time (11:00, for example), and a program list listing contentnames (content data, such as welcom1.jpg), and reproduction time (30seconds, for example).

The display apparatus 10 displays content, stored as content data, on aper reproduction schedule basis. The program data is typically createdwith the management apparatus 20 and then delivered to the displayapparatus 10. Alternatively, the program data may be created with thedisplay apparatus 10.

An apparatus on which a program creating the program data runs maycreate the program data. For example, a user may generate the programdata on a portable personal computer, and cause the display apparatus 10to store the program data (for example, the user may copy the programdata using a universal serial bus (USB) memory).

The message retrieval data 146 is information that is used to retrieve amessage from the message management server 30. A login operation on themessage management server 30 includes logging in for the message serviceprovided by the message management server 30.

The message retrieval data 146 is information received from themanagement apparatus 20. Alternatively, the message retrieval data 146may be configured in the display apparatus 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the message retrieval data 146. Themessage retrieval data 146 includes, as login information, a loginidentity (“user1”, for example) and a password (“abcdef”, for example).The user logs in for the message service using the login ID andpassword. The login information may be an access token, for example.Alternatively, OAuth authentication may be performed using an externalservice.

The message stored on the message management server 30 may includesearch information according to which the display apparatus 10 performsa search operation. In accordance with the first embodiment, the searchinformation is a hash tag, for example. Alternatively, the searchinformation may be any search character string, a user ID, positioninformation, or time (for example, one hour earlier than messageretrieval). The search information may not necessarily have to bestored.

In message searching, the display apparatus 10 displays a message thatsatisfies a search condition. A variety of search methods arecontemplated. For example, the display apparatus 10 transmits the searchinformation (such as a search keyword like a desired character string ortag) to the message management server 30. The message management server30 extracts a message containing the search information (or notcontaining the search information), and transmits the extracted messageto the display apparatus 10.

The display apparatus 10 may receive the message from the messagemanagement server 30, and extract a desired message from the receivedmessages in accordance with the search information. Alternatively, thedisplay apparatus 10 may transmit the search information to themanagement apparatus 20 for storage, and extracts from messages amessage that satisfies the search condition, and then displays themessage thereon.

The configuration table 148 stores a configuration value for eachparameter. The management apparatus 20 typically configures the value.Alternatively, the user may configure the value for each parameter oneach display apparatus 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the configuration table 148 stores, as theparameters, a display switching threshold value mt (“10”, for example)for use in switching the message display method and time indicating atiming T (“300” for example) for receiving a message from the messagemanagement server 30 (message retrieval time).

1.2.2 Management Apparatus

A functional configuration of the management apparatus 20 is describedwith reference to FIG. 6. The management apparatus 20 includes, atleast, a controller 200, a communication unit 210, and a memory 220.

The controller 200 generally controls the management apparatus 20. Thecontroller 200 implements a variety of functionalities by reading andexecuting a variety of programs stored on the memory 220. The controller200 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

The communication unit 210 is connected to a network. For example, thecommunication unit 210 includes an interface that is connectable to awired LAN, a wireless LAN, or an LTE network. With the communicationunit 210 connected to the network, the management apparatus 20 isconnected to the display apparatus 10 and the external network NW.

The memory 220 stores a variety of programs and data that the managementapparatus 20 uses in the operation thereof. The memory 220 may include asemiconductor memory and a hard disk drive (HDD).

The memory 220 includes a program data storage region 224, and stores aprogram data creation program 222 thereon. The program data creationprogram 222 generates program data. By executing the program datacreation program 222, the management apparatus 20 creates the programdata, and then stores the program data onto the program data storageregion 224.

The program data stored on the program data storage region 224 is to bedelivered to the display apparatus 10 via the communication unit 210.

The memory 220 further stores message retrieval data 226. The messageretrieval data 226 is used when the display apparatus 10 retrieves amessage from the message management server 30 (in the message service).

1.2.3 Message Management Server

A functional configuration of the message management server 30 isdescribed with reference to FIG. 7. The message management server 30includes, at least, a controller 300, a communication unit 310, a memory320, and a message service function unit 330.

The controller 300 generally controls the message management server 30.By reading and executing a variety of programs stored on the memory 320,the controller 300 implements a variety of functionalities. Thecontroller 300 includes a CPU, for example.

The communication unit 310 is connected to a network. For example, thecommunication unit 310 includes an interface that is connectable to awired LAN, a wireless LAN, or an LTE network. With the communicationunit 310 connected to the network, the message management server 30 isconnected to the management apparatus 20 and the external network NW.

The memory 320 stores a variety of programs and data that the messagemanagement server 30 uses in the operation thereof. The memory 320 mayinclude a semiconductor memory and a hard disk drive (HDD).

The memory 320 includes a message storage region 322, and stores logininformation management data 324. A message transmitted from the terminalapparatus 40 is stored on the message storage region 322.

The login information management data 324 includes user information thatis used to log in for the message service provided by the messagemanagement server 30. The message service is available when the logininformation matches the user information when the terminal apparatus 40or the display apparatus 10 performs a login operation.

The message service function unit 330 provides the message service. Forexample, the message service function unit 330 displays a message,received from the terminal apparatus 40, as the time line or to arelated user (such a user who follows the time line). The messageservice also includes the exchanging of text information throughTwitter, or the exchanging of images through Instagram.

1.2.4 Terminal Apparatus

A functional configuration of a terminal apparatus 40 is described withreference to FIG. 8. The terminal apparatus 40 includes, at least, acontroller 400, a communication unit 410, and a memory 420.

The controller 400 generally controls the terminal apparatus 40. Thecontroller 400 implements a variety of functionalities by reading andexecuting a variety of programs stored on the memory 420. The controller400 includes a CPU.

The communication unit 410 is connected to a network. For example, thecommunication unit 410 includes an interface that is connectable to awired LAN, a wireless LAN, or an LTE network. With the communicationunit 410 connected to the network, the terminal apparatus 40 isconnected to the message management server 30 and/or the externalnetwork NW.

The memory 420 stores a variety of programs and data that the terminalapparatus 40 uses in the operation thereof. The memory 420 may include asemiconductor memory and a hard disk drive (HDD).

The memory 420 stores a message application 422. The terminal apparatus40 transmits a message to the message management server 30, or receivesa message from the message management server 30, or displays a messagethereon by starting up and executing the message application 422. Theterminal apparatus 40 may not necessarily have to store and execute themessage application 422. The message application 422 may be executed byaccessing the message management server 30 via a browser.

1.3 Procedure

A procedure of the message display system 1 is described below.

1.3.1 Entire Sequence Chart

FIG. 9 illustrates the procedure (whole sequence) of the firstembodiment, indicating a sequence chart of the display apparatus 10, themanagement apparatus 20, and the message management server 30.

The management apparatus 20 creates the program data (step S1002). Themanagement apparatus 20 also creates the message retrieval data (stepS1004). The message retrieval data includes the login informationincluding a user ID and password, and the search information.

The management apparatus 20 transmits the created program data andmessage retrieval data to the connected display apparatus 10 (stepS1006).

When the display apparatus 10 receives the program data and messageretrieval data (step S1008), the display apparatus 10 reproduces theprogram data (step S1010). The display apparatus 10 logs in for themessage service to retrieve a message that is to be displayed together.More specifically, the display apparatus 10 performs a login operation,based on the login information included in the message retrieval data(step S1012).

When the login operation has been performed correctly, the displayapparatus 10 transmits a message request (step S1014). The messagerequest includes the search information.

In response to the reception of the message request (step S1020), themessage management server 30 performs a message search, based on thesearch information included the message request (step S1022). Themessage management server 30 transmits, as search results, a message hitin the search operation (step S1024). As described above, the searchoperation may be performed by the display apparatus 10.

In response to the reception of the message, the display apparatus 10displays the received message (step S1016). If a specific period of timehas elapsed (yes branch from step S1018), the display apparatus 10iterates the operations, starting with step S1014, and retrieves a newmessage from the message management server 30.

1.3.2 Routine Process

A routine process of the display apparatus 10 is described below withreference to FIG. 10. In the routine process, the display apparatus 10has received from the management apparatus 20 the program data andmessage retrieval data, and is reproducing (displaying) the programdata.

The display apparatus 10 logs in for the message service, using themessage retrieval data (step S102). The display apparatus 10 initializesvariables in use (step S104).

More specifically, the latest message count nt indicating the latestmessage is initialized to zero, and an initial display location vLINEindicating an initial display location of the message is initialized to1.

The display apparatus 10 transmits the message request to the messagemanagement server 30 (step S106). If a new message has arrived (yesbranch from step S108), the display apparatus 10 receives the newmessage (step S110), and stores a received new message count onto anewly received message count mk (step S112). The received messages aresequentially stored on a message array MSG(x).

Each newly received message is additionally stored onto the messagearray MSG(x) that includes the previously received messages. The messagearray MSG(x) may be initialized at any timing, or at the startup or endof the program. Alternatively, the message array MSG(x) may beinitialized at specific time intervals, at specific time, or in responseto a command from the management apparatus 20 or the like.

If there is no new message (no branch from step S108), operations insteps S110 and S112 are not performed.

The display apparatus 10 updates the latest message number nt (stepS114). More specifically, the count mk of the newly received messages isadded to the latest message count nt. The latest message number nt isequal to the latest message count.

If the latest message count mk is equal to or below a display switchingthreshold value mt that is stored as a configured value (no branch fromstep S116), the display apparatus 10 displays the message in a firstpattern display process (step S118). Even if the displaying of themessage in the first pattern display process is complete, but if messageretrieval time T has not elapsed (no branch from step S120), the firstpattern display process is performed again (step S118). The messageretrieval time T is a time period throughout which messages areperiodically retrieved. In other words, the first pattern displayprocess is repeated until the message retrieval time T has elapsed, andthus the displaying of the message is repeated.

If the latest message count mk is above the display switching thresholdvalue mt (yes branch from step S116), then the message is displayed in asecond pattern display process (step S122).

If a command to end the process has not been issued (no branch from stepS124), the display apparatus 10 repeats the routine, starting with stepS106. A new message is thus received and displayed. If the command toend the process has been issued (yes branch from step S124), the processends.

1.3.3 First Pattern Display Process

The first pattern display process performed in step S118 of FIG. 10 isdescribed with reference to FIG. 11. The first pattern display processis performed if the message is count is smaller.

A variety of parameters are configured as initial values thereof (stepS204). More specifically, the latest message number nt is configured asa message number to be displayed, and the initial display location vLINEis configured as a display location (row number) LINE where a message isdisplayed (step S204). The row numbers of the display location of thefirst embodiment range from “1” at the top row down to a maximumdisplayable number “Lmax” at the bottom row. In other words, thedisplayable number of rows (message count) is “Lmax”. The message countmay correspond to part of a message display region of the display area,or may extend in a lateral direction rather than a vertical direction.

In the discussion of the first embodiment, the word “row” represents aregion where a single received message is displayed. If a message islong, the message is displayed by line feeding. The word “row” refers toa region where a single message is displayed.

A message character string MSG(n) is displayed in a LINE row (stepS206). The received message is stored on the message array MSG(x).

In order to configure the displayed message number to an older number,the display apparatus 10 decrements n by one, and increments LINE by oneto successively lower the display location (step S208).

If n becomes 0 (yes branch from step S210), all the newly receivedmessages are displayed, and processing proceeds step S214. If n is abovezero, there is still a newly received message (no branch from stepS210), and the display apparatus 10 repeats the routine from theoperation in step S206 to display the messages.

The messages are displayed when the region that accommodates themessages is present. More specifically, the display location LINE isequal to or below the maximum displayable number Lmax, the displayapparatus 10 iterates the routine, starting with step S206 (no branchfrom step S212).

If the displaying of all the newly received messages is complete (yesbranch from step S210) or the display location LINE exceeds the maximumdisplayable number Lmax (yes branch from S212), the display apparatus 10performs a timer process (step S214). The timer process is waiting onstandby for a specific period of time (waiting time, for example).

The display apparatus 10 configures the maximum displayable number Lmaxto the display location LINE (step S216), and displays each message byscrolling the display location by one row upward (step S218). Morespecifically, the display apparatus 10 displays the messages byscrolling the messages by the number of rows corresponding to a messagethat is to be displayed next. The scroll method may be scrolling by onerow at a time, or scrolling by the number of rows corresponding to amessage.

The display apparatus 10 then determines whether all the messages havebeen displayed. However, if all the received messages are displayed, thenumber of messages to be displayed at a time is too many. For thisreason, a message displayable count MsgMax may be predetermined. Morespecifically, the display apparatus 10 determines whether n is equal to(nt−MsgMax) or is “0”, thereby determining whether the messagescorresponding to the message count MsgMax backward from the latestmessage have been displayed (step S220).

If n is neither equal to (nt−MsgMax) or nor equal to “0” (no branch fromstep S220), the retrieved messages are displayable. MSG(n) is displayedon LINE row (step S222). The display apparatus 10 decrements n (stepS224). After waiting on standby for the specific period of time in thetimer process (step S226), the display apparatus 10 starts over againwith step S218.

If n is equal to (nt−MsgMax) or equal to “0” (yes branch from stepS220), the display apparatus 10 displays the messages while scrollingthe display location of each message by one row upward (step S228).

The message displayable count MsgMax may now be configured to be “20”.If the latest message number nt is “30”, the message number n to bedisplayed starts with “30”, and is successively decremented. When therepeated decrementing causes n to become “10”, n becomes equal to thevalue of (nt−MsgMax), namely, “10”. At this point, the display apparatus10 determines that the messages corresponding to the message displayablecount MsgMax backward from the latest message (“20” in this case) havebeen displayed, and then performs operations in step S228 thereafter.

After scrolling one row up, the display apparatus 10 waits on standbyfor the specific period of time in the timer process (step S230), anddetermines whether all the messages have been scrolled up (step S232).If the scrollup of all the displayed messages is not complete (no branchfrom S232), the display apparatus 10 repeats the routine, starting withstep S228, and continues to displays the messages in a scroll-up mode.

If the scroll display of all the messages is complete (yes branch fromS232), LINE is configured to be the initial display location vLINE wherea message that is to be called next is displayed first (step S234).

The first pattern display process is thus defined in the case in whichthe message count is relatively smaller. When the message count issmaller, previously received messages are thus displayed in addition tothe newly received message.

Referring to FIG. 10, the first pattern display process is repeateduntil the message retrieval time T has elapsed in step S120. Themessages are thus repeatedly displayed without interruption.

Even if there is a smaller number of newly received messages, themessages are continuously displayed in a scroll mode, and thus drawattention of viewing users.

1.3.4 Second Pattern Display Process

The second pattern display process performed in step S122 of FIG. 10 isdescribed with reference to FIG. 12. The second pattern display processis performed when the message count is higher.

In order to determine messages to be displayed, (nt−mk+1) is configuredto be n (step S300). More specifically, the display apparatus 10determines n by subtracting from the latest message number (count) thenewly received message count, and adding 1 to the subtraction result.

If the newly received message count is too many, the number of messagesto be displayed also becomes too many. If mk is above the maximumdisplayable message count, mk may be configured to be the maximumdisplayable message count. For example, the maximum displayable messagecount may be configured to be “100”. If the latest message count mkexceeds “100”, mk is configured to be “100”, and nt is decreased by 100.

If an existing message is displayed in a first row (yes branch fromS302), the display apparatus 10 scrolls down the displayed messages byone row (step S304). In this case, the message displayed at the bottomrow disappears as the display area shifts upward.

MSG(n) out of the subsequently retrieved messages is displayed in thefirst row (the top location of the display area) (step S306). Thedisplay apparatus 10 increments n, and decrements mk (step S308). Inthis way, 1 is added to the value of n while 1 is subtracted from thevalue of mk.

The display apparatus 10 determines whether mk is 0 (step S310). If mkis 0, there is no newly received message any longer, and the processends (yes branch from S310). If mk is not 0 (no branch from S310), thereis still a newly received message. After waiting on standby for thespecific period of time in the timer mode (no branch from S310),processing starts over in step S302.

1.4 System Operation

1.4.1 Example of System Operation

An operation of the first embodiment is described below. FIG. 13Aillustrates an example of a display screen W100 of the display 110.

The display screen W100 is divided into a message display region R100and a display region R110. The display apparatus 10 searches themessages of Twitter for a hash tag and a hit message is displayed astime line on the message display region R100. This message is retrievedfrom the message management server 30.

Content of program data is displayed on the display region R110. Forexample, information on an event venue (a map of the event venue, or astreaming video of the event) is displayed on the display region R110.The content displayed on the display region R110 is displayed inaccordance with the program data delivered from the management apparatus20.

Since the message is displayed together with the content, the displayapparatus 10 provides not only sales promotion content that is typicallystatic in related art digital signage, but also real-time informationservice. This increases product appeal.

In an environment that is changing from moment to moment, such as in anevent currently underway, users may be provided with a useful systemthat is capable of displaying real-time information.

The display regions for content and messages may be determined by thedisplay apparatus 10, or the program data may include instructions tospecify the display regions. For example, the program data may include adescription indicating that the message is displayed in an overlapfashion on the content or that the message and the content are displayedin a juxtaposition fashion.

The display pattern of messages on the message display region is changedin response to the retrieved message count. This provides a system thatis more convenient to viewing users.

FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C schematically illustrate the range of displayedmessages. Referring to FIG. 13B, the newly received message count issmaller than the display switching threshold value. Referring to FIG.13C, the newly received message count is larger than the displayswitching threshold value.

As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the message count prior to receiving the newmessages is 2, and the newly received message count is 4. The displayswitching threshold value may now be “5”. Since the newly receivedmessage count is 4, a message group including past messages MSG(1) andMSG(2) and new messages down to MS(6) is processed.

The messages are repeatedly displayed until the next message retrievaltime T has elapsed.

Referring to FIG. 13C, the message count prior to receiving the newmessages is 2, and the newly received message count is 11. Since themessages more than the display switching threshold value (“5”, forexample) are received, the newly received messages MSG(3) throughMSG(13) are displayed as a message group.

In accordance with the first embodiment, the message group is displayedwith the content thereof changed in response to the received messagecount. In this case, the display pattern is different from the firstpattern display process to the second pattern display process. Theoperation examples of the message display pattern are described below.

1.4.2 First Pattern Display Process

The operation example of the first pattern display process is describedwith reference to the drawings. The first pattern display process givesa display pattern in which the newly received message count is smallerthan the display switching threshold value. FIG. 14A through FIG. 14Cand FIG. 15A through FIG. 15C schematically illustrate only the messagedisplay region R100 of FIG. 13A

FIG. 14A illustrate displayed message character strings including thelatest MSG(7) down to MSG(6), MSG(5), . . . . Displayed on the displayregion R200 are messages down to MSG(3). Note that MSG(2) and MSG(1) arenot displayed.

The messages MSG(2) and MSG(1) are scrolled up on the screen. The oldestmessage is displayed in the bottom row. If a message is newly displayed,each message is scrolled up, and the messages in the top row disappearone by one.

Through the scrollup operation, only MSG(4) through MSG(1) are displayedas illustrated in FIG. 14B. As the scrollup operation continues further,only MSG(2) and MSG(1) are displayed.

As the scrollup operation continues further, MSG(1) is scrolled up, andthe display apparatus 10 reaches the state of FIG. 15A. In this state,no message is displayed on the display region 200. The scrollupoperation is performed and all the messages disappear.

In accordance with the first embodiment, all the messages disappearonce. Alternatively, a specific time interval may be permitted. Forexample, a new message may be displayed after a specific time intervalcorresponding to several messages.

If the first pattern display process is performed again, a message isdisplayed in the bottom row (FIG. 15B). As illustrated in FIG. 15B,MSG(7) that is the latest message is displayed. The messages aresuccessively displayed in the scrollup operation. For example, MSG(7) isscrolled up with MSG(6) appearing in the bottom row (FIG. 15C).

1.4.3 Second Pattern Display Process

Operation examples of the second pattern display process are describedbelow. In the second pattern display process, the newly received messagecount is higher than the display switching threshold value. FIG. 16Athrough FIG. 16C schematically illustrate the message display regionR100 of FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 16A, the displayed messages include a new messageMSG(4) in the top row and an old message in the bottom row. In order todisplay a new message MSG(5) in this state, MSG(5) appears in the toprow as illustrated in FIG. 16B.

MSG(1) through MSG(4) displayed previously are scrolled down. The newmessage is thus displayed in the top row. Each time a new message isdisplayed, the messages are scrolled down.

FIG. 16C illustrates the messages with MSG(24) displayed. As a newmessage displayed in the top row, the older messages are scrolled downin a manner such that the oldest message disappears.

2. Second Embodiment

A second embodiment is described below. In the second embodiment, themessage display pattern is switched in response to the actual value of apast retrieval count (mean value).

The second embodiment is identical in configuration to the firstembodiment, and performs a routine process of FIG. 17 in place of theroutine process of FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 17, the same operationsare designated with the same reference symbols, and the discussionthereof is omitted herein.

In accordance with the second embodiment, the display apparatus 10calculates a newly received message mean count mka as the mean value ofnewly received messages after retrieving the new messages (step S402).More specifically, the display apparatus 10 calculates as the newlyreceived message mean count mka the mean value of the past retrievedcounts of messages (for example, of 5 rounds).

The display apparatus 10 switches between the first pattern displayprocess and the second pattern display process by comparing the newlyreceived message mean count mka with the display switching thresholdvalue mt (step S404).

In accordance with the second embodiment, the determination is made,based on the message received counts of past several rounds. Themessages are thus switched more reliably.

3. Third Embodiment

A third embodiment is described below. In the third embodiment, themessage retrieval frequency is modified.

(1) The message retrieval frequency in the first pattern display processis increased.

In the third embodiment, the message retrieval frequency is increased.The third embodiment is identical in configuration to the first andsecond embodiments, and has a routine process of FIG. 18 in place of theroutine process of FIG. 17. In FIG. 18, the same operations aredesignated with the same reference symbols, and the discussion thereofis omitted herein.

After the first pattern display process or the second pattern displayprocess is performed, the display apparatus 10 determines whether thenewly received message mean count mka is higher than a mean retrievalcount threshold value mt2 as a specific threshold value (step S452). Ifthe newly received message mean count mka is higher than the meanretrieval count threshold value mt2 (yes branch from S452), the displayapparatus 10 shortens the message retrieval time T (step S454).

If the newly received message mean count mka is equal to or below themean retrieval count threshold value mt2 (no branch from S452), thedisplay apparatus 10 causes the message retrieval time T to revert backto the original value thereof (step S456).

In accordance with the third embodiment, the value of the messageretrieval time T is modified in response to the past retrieval count. Ifthe newly received message count is higher, the message retrieval countis increased (regular retrieval time is shortened).

In accordance with the third embodiment, the message retrieval time T ismodified in accordance with the mean newly received message count.Alternatively, this method may be applied to the first embodiment. Morespecifically, the message retrieval time T may be modified in responseto the newly received message count.

More specifically, if the latest message count mk is higher than aspecific threshold value (mt2 or another threshold value), the value ofthe message retrieval time T may be reduced. The parameters that may beused to modify the message retrieval time T may include the newlyreceived message count or the mean value of the newly received messagecounts.

(2) The message retrieval frequency in the first pattern display processis lowered.

Conversely, the message retrieval frequency is lowered. Morespecifically, the operation in step S456 is set to be “Increase value T”and the operation in step S454 is set to be “Return value T to originalvalue thereof”.

If the newly received message count or the mean value of newly receivedmessage counts is lower the threshold value, the message retrieval timeis increased by increasing the message retrieval time T.

(3) The message retrieval frequency in the second pattern displayprocess is modified.

In the second pattern display process, the message retrieval time T maybe modified in accordance with the newly received message count or themean value of newly received message counts. In other words, operationsin steps S452 through S456 may be performed between steps S122 and S124instead of between steps S118 and S120.

If the newly received message count is higher in the second patterndisplay process, the message retrieval time T may be shortened.

4. Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment is described below. In the fourth embodiment, themessage display pattern is switched in response to the message countwithin a specific period of time, for example the message countsubsequent to a given time point, rather than in response to the newlyreceived message count.

The fourth embodiment is identical in configuration to the firstembodiment, and operates in accordance with a routine process of FIG. 19in place of the routine process of FIG. 10.

In step S106, the display apparatus 10 transmits a message request tothe message management server (step S106). If there is a message (yesbranch from S502), the display apparatus 10 receives the message withina specific period of time (the message after a specific time point)(step S504).

The messages to be received may include messages that are based onsearch information or all the received messages. The display apparatus10 receives the current latest message number nt (step S506), andconfigures a message count of messages within the specific period oftime, out of the received messages, to be mk2 (step S508).

The message count of the messages within the specific period of time maybe a message count of the messages after a specific time point, or amessage count of the messages which have been received within a specificperiod of time (such as “10 minutes” or “20 minutes”). The displaypattern is changed in response to the message count of the messagesfalling within a message count determination time period. The messagecount determination time may be any time period, but may be desirablylonger than the message retrieval time T that is a time periodthroughout which the messages are retrieved.

More specifically, if mk2 is higher than mt (yes branch from S510), thesecond pattern display process is performed (step S122). If mk2 is equalto or below mt (no branch from S510), the first pattern display processis performed (step S118).

The first pattern display process and the second pattern display processare performed with mk=mk2.

In accordance with the fourth embodiment, the display method is changedin response to the message count within the specific period of timerather than the newly received message count. The display method isuseful for displaying messages after the beginning of an event ormessages within business hours.

5. Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment is described below. In the above embodiments, a hashtag is used as the search information. In the fifth embodiment, otherinformation may be used.

The management apparatus 20 uses a display account for the displayapparatus 10. Using the display account, the management apparatus 20follows an account to be displayed. By simply obtaining time line forthe display account, a desirable message may be displayed.

A more appropriate message may thus be displayed by following a followeraccount, such as a store account of a store in a shopping mall, or anaccount in a train station providing operation information.

Another account ID other than the hash tag may be specified. If messagesinclude position information, a message with the position informationattached thereto may be specified.

6. Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment is described below. In the sixth embodiment, themessage display is switched between in a partitioned-region fashion orin a content-overlapped fashion, depending on the message count.

FIG. 20 is a display version modified from the display example of FIG.13A and an example of a display screen W200 displayed on the display 110in accordance with the sixth embodiment.

In the above embodiments, the scroll-display method is switched inresponse to the message retrieved count. In accordance with the sixthembodiment, the messages are displayed on the message display regionR200 if the retrieved message count is lower than a display regionswitching threshold value as a specific value, and the messages aredisplayed on content displayed on the display region R210 if theretrieved message count is higher than the display region switchingthreshold value. The scroll display method may be identical to theprocess described with reference to the first embodiment.

If the retrieved message count is lower than the specific value andolder messages are displayed on the display region R210, these messagesmay be transferred to the message display region R200 and then scrolled.

7. Seventh Embodiment

A seventh embodiment is described below. In the seventh embodiment, onlythe messages are displayed while the content is not displayed.

In the preceding embodiments, the content and the messages are displayedtogether. Even if only the messages are displayed, the message displaymethod described above may be used.

Retrieved messages are displayed on a region R300 on a display screenW300 of FIG. 21. Although no content is displayed on the display screenW300, the messages are efficiently displayed.

Such a display form may be particularly useful when a message isdesirably displayed separately from content, or when a message isdisplayed on a small-sized display device, such as of a point of salessystem (POS), of an image forming apparatus, or of a vending machine.

8. Eighth Embodiment

An eighth embodiment is described below. In the eighth embodiment, theterminal apparatus 40 operates as a display apparatus.

In the preceding embodiments, the content and the messages are displayedon the display apparatus 10. Recently, however, information has beendelivered to and displayed on a user's terminal apparatus (such as asmart phone or tablet) or information has been delivered to anddisplayed on a car navigation system.

In such a case, push information may be delivered in a manner differentfrom application software in standard social networking service (SNS).More specifically, a message may be displayed when a specializedapplication is started up on the terminal apparatus 40 or when a page ofa browser is displayed.

FIG. 22 illustrates an operation example in which an application havinga functionality of displaying a message on the terminal apparatus 40starts up. In this case, content is displayed on a region R400 on thedisplay screen W400, and a message (group) is displayed on a messagedisplay region R410.

Such an application may be distributed by a shopping mall or atransportation operator to provide information thereabout. Each user mayeasily obtain the information by executing the application.

In accordance with the eighth embodiment, the message display methoddescribed with reference to the preceding embodiments is used to displaythe message on the terminal apparatus 40.

9. Modifications

The embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. Thepresent disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and designs thatfall within the scope of the disclosure are defined by the Claims.

In accordance with the embodiments, the scrollup operation is performedin the first pattern display process and the scrolldown operation isperformed in the second pattern display process. The operations may bereversed. In other words, the scrolldown operation is performed in thefirst pattern display process and the scrollup operation is performed inthe second pattern display process.

The scroll display has been described as a method of updating themessages. Alternatively, another method may be used. For example, thecharacter string may fade out or laterally slid. Another method may beimplemented as long as the time line is appropriately updated.

A program running on each apparatus in the embodiments controls acentral processing unit (CPU) (a program causing a computer to function)such that each functionality of the embodiments is implemented.Information handled by each apparatus is stored on a temporary memory(such as a random-access memory (RAM)), then stored on a storage device,such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD) when theinformation is processed. The information is then read, corrected, orwritten on the storage device by the CPU as appropriate.

The program may be distributed in a form stored on a portable recordingmedium, or transmitted to a server computer via a network, such as theInternet, connected to the server computer. In such a case, a storagedevice in the server computer falls within the scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosedin Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2016-192032 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Sep. 29, 2016, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus comprising: a display thatdisplays messages; a message retrieval unit that retrieves storedmessages from a message management server to obtain retrieved messages;and a display controller that switches display methods for displayingone of the retrieved messages on the display according to a count of theretrieved messages, wherein the display controller selects a firstdisplay method that repeatedly displays one or more of the retrievedmessages while scrolling remaining ones of the retrieved messages if thecount of the retrieved messages is equal to or below a determinedthreshold value, and the display controller selects a second displaymethod that displays all of the retrieved messages while scrolling theretrieved messages if the count of the retrieved messages is above thedetermined threshold value.
 2. The display apparatus according to claim1, wherein the display controller performs control to switch the displaymethods for displaying the one of the retrieved messages according to adisplay switching threshold value for use in switching the displaymethod.
 3. The display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein themessage retrieval unit performs a login operation with the messagemanagement server, transmits a message request to the message managementserver, and retrieves a response message to the message request from themessage management server.
 4. The display apparatus according to claim1, wherein the message retrieval unit searches the stored messagesstored in the message management server according to search information,and retrieves one or more of the stored messages that has been searchedfor and corresponds to the search information.
 5. The display apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the display controller displays contentcontained in a program data on a per reproduction schedule basis, anddisplays the one of the retrieved messages together with the content. 6.The display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displaycontroller repeatedly displays a message group including a previouslyretrieved message and the retrieved messages while scrolling the messagegroup by a number of rows that is displayed for a single one of theretrieved messages if the count of the retrieved messages is equal to orbelow the determined threshold value.
 7. The display apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the display controller switches the display methodsby comparing a mean value of past retrieved counts of messages with adisplay switching threshold value.
 8. The display apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the message retrieval unit retrieves additionalmessages subsequent to a given time, the display controller switches thedisplay methods for displaying one of the additional messages on thedisplay in response to the count of the additional messages retrievedsubsequent to the given time.